How to become an usher, lobby attendants, and ticket takers

Assist patrons at entertainment events by performing duties, such as collecting admission tickets and passes from patrons, assisting in finding seats, searching for lost articles, and helping patrons locate such facilities as restrooms and telephones.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers do

• Sell or collect admission tickets, passes, or facility memberships from patrons at entertainment events.
• Clean facilities.
• Maintain order and ensure adherence to safety rules.
• Guide patrons to exits or provide other instructions or assistance in case of emergency.
• Search for lost articles or for parents of lost children.
• Provide assistance with patrons' special needs, such as helping those with wheelchairs.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is usher, lobby attendants, and ticket takers a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 35% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Washington $41,010
• Colorado $38,380
• District of Columbia $37,930
• California $37,870
• New York $37,110

Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.